LSHTM is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health, with an annual research income of more than £110 million. The School’s depth and breadth of expertise encompasses many disciplines, and it is one of the highest-rated research institutions in the UK.

LSHTM is the Co-ordinating partner for AMBITION. The team sits in the Department of Clinical Research, within the Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases.

LSHTM AMBITION Team

Professor Joe Jarvis: Co-Chief Investigator

I am a Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Research Associate at the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, based full time in Gaborone. My main research interests are advanced HIV disease, opportunistic infections, cryptococcal meningitis, and strategies to rapidly and safely initiate ART in individuals with low CD4 counts. In addition to being the Chief Investigator for AMBITION, I am Research Director for the CDC Implementation Protocol of the Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP), a member of the external review group for the WHO Guidelines for Managing Advanced HIV Disease and Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy, and a guidelines development group member for WHO guidelines on preventing, diagnosing, and managing cryptococcal disease in HIV infected adults, adolescents and children.

Dr. Nabila Youssouf: International Trial Manager

I joined LSHTM in 2015 as a Senior Trials Manager. I have experience of developing protocols and managing clinical trials in the UK, US, and Australia, and in a previous role estabished a new paediatric trial in low and middle income countries. I am based full-time in Gaborone, and work with teams at all sites to support with queries and undertake monitoring to help ensure that all trial procedures are performed as per the protocol. I also work closely with pharmacists and drug suppliers to ensure smooth delivery and management of the study drugs.

Dr. David Lawrence: Lead Clinical Research Physician

I joined LSHTM in May 2017, prior to which I worked as a HIV and sexual health speciality doctor in Brighton. I am based full-time in Gaborone, and work closely with Joe and Nabila to run the day-to-day clinical aspects of the trial, ensuring adherence to GCP standards and to the study protocol. I support clinical colleagues at all sites with the management of cryptococcal meningitis, HIV and opportunistic infections, and work to help meet our patient recruitment targets. I also help to co-ordinate some of the training and capacity-building activities as part of Work Package 5.

Philippa Griffin: Financial & Administrative Project Manager

I joined LSHTM in March 2017. I am based in London, but work with all collaborators and with our Project Officer and Finance Officer at the EDCTP to ensure that the whole project is delivered in compliance with EDCTP financial and legal regulations. I am responsible for the Consortium budget and for most aspects of administration, communications and logistics, and co-ordinate the annual financial and technical reporting. I am a certified EU Project Manager and hold an MSc in Public Policy & Management from SOAS, University of London.